Source: Whsv.comBy Nicole DiAntonioBeginning Sunday, the entire length of Skyline Drive will be closed during the evening hours, from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. Karen Beck-Herzog is the Public Affairs Officer for Shenandoah National Park. She said, poaching is a problem in the park. Closing portions of Skyline Drive really allows rangers to concentrate on problem areas and reduce illegal hunting. The closings have been staggered. The first one started November 11th, for the north and southern regions of the park. This weekend, the central section will be closed, during the evening hours. This is the thirty third year they have closed the park. Beth-Herzog said it really helps to narrow in and protect the four hundred miles of boundary. "This allows our rangers, who are specially trained and have special equipment, to be able to detect criminal activity. Unfortunately, poaching does occur in Shenandoah National Park. We have an investigation going on right now about poaching in the park," said Beth-Herzog. The park is still open to backpackers and campers coming through the park. They just need to arrive before the five o'clock closure. The overnight closings will end on January 5th. Video.